SRU’s Bailey Library March 29 open house will showcase renovations

March 19, 2018

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. - Renovations to Slippery Rock University's Bailey Library were completed in January but now the faculty and staff who work in the facility are ready to show off their new digs with an Open House from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., March 29.

"The Open House will celebrate the completion of the renovations and provide an opportunity for everyone to come and discover the new learning spaces and see what we have to offer," said Jennifer Bartek, manager of library operations. "Just the newness and freshness of everything makes this a great reason to host an Open House."

Phillip Way, SRU interim president, will provide opening remarks at 9 a.m. in the front lobby, which will be followed by activities that include scavenger hunts, self-directed tours, video presentations, games, contests, prizes and refreshments.

"We have a lot of fun activities planned," Bartek said. "We're excited, especially after listening to the students as they looked around (so far this semester). Overall, they are very happy and we've heard a lot of positive comments."

Renovations to the library, which began in May 2017, were completed at a cost of $4 million. The renovations include a redesigned entrance and lobby area with enhancements made to T&B Naturally, a café operated by AVI Fresh, the University's contracted food provider. There is also a new circulation desk and service point that will include laptop circulation, updates to the library's HVAC system and completely renovated restrooms.

A vast array of technology has been added to the building, including a room for liaison classes with 49 computers and two other learning spaces that now have nine and 10 computers, respectively. Additionally, new projectors and interactive white boards were installed in collaborative group study areas and a new face-up book scanner was added on the third floor.

Office upgrades include a new hub for most librarians, library administration and the Office of the Associate Provost of Transformational Experiences and a new location for the Office of Community-Engaged Learning.

MEDIA CONTACT: Justin Zackal | 724.738.4854 | justin.zackal@sru.edu